A few months ago I was listening to Natalie Franke give a talk at the Show It United conference. During her speech she talked about having a word for 2016 that guided her actions throughout the year. At the time of listening to that speech I thought it was an interesting idea but didn’t give it much more thought than that.

As I wrap up 2016 and take inventory on the year both personally and professionally the concept of picking a guiding word has resurfaced. I’m downright terrible at  New Year’s Resolutions. I never keep them therefore I never make them. But, the concept of ditching the long list of things I want to change in favor of just picking ONE WORD was intriguing. One word that centers around my character and create a vision for my future. This idea seems so simple yet so powerful.

I began thinking about how I’d like my 2017 to look and started brainstorming words that had the potential to fit my vision, dreams, and motives. In the end one word kept coming to mind repeatedly; purpose.

Purpose (n.)

1. the reason for which something exists or is done; made; used; etc.
2. an intended or desired result, end; goal.
3. determination; resoluteness.

As I began processing this word I became a little panicky. Whoa! This word has the potential to have a ton of impact and possibility. Maybe I should change my word? (Insert good ole fear). Nope. it’s not going to happen. Not this time.

Purpose has the powerful ability to impact so many areas of my life…myself, my family, my friends, my clients, and my business. As I thought about it more I realized the impact of having more purpose and how much positivity surrounds it. Next year I want to dive in to my purpose. I will use this word to help guide my decisions and actions. I want my words, my work, and my relationships to have purpose. It will affect how, what, and who I choose to spend time on and with. What purpose will it serve?  My goal is to post and share my gifts with purpose. It’s mind blowing how the simplicity of a concept has the potential to be so powerful.

I believe where I incorporate purpose into my relationships I will respond differently. We imitate what we know about being purposeful until it becomes a reality for who we are. I’m claiming my word for 2017. Purpose. A year of purpose. Imagine the possibilities.

What will your word for 2017 be?